Wasteful Packaging Is the Worst. Here’s How to Push Back

Wasteful Packaging Is the Worst. Here’s How to Push Back

If you've bought a bottle of water anytime over the last few years, you might have noticed a change. Maybe the bottle seemed thinner, the cap a little smaller, or the label a bit different. Are companies just cutting corners? Or could something else be going on?

Packing-related materials make up of landfill waste—or around 75 million tons each year. (Of that, nearly is food packaging.) Globally, consumer goods generate around of packaging waste annually.

These numbers are inspiring a countrywide push for a packaging detox. And companies are taking note—hence the slimmer water bottles with smaller caps and recycled labels. Here's how you can get in on the action.

The Pitfalls of Packaging

In addition to generating tons of waste, producing packaging in several ways:

It drains natural resources (including water and oil).

It requires a lot of energy and generates greenhouse gas emissions (thereby contributing to climate change).

If discarded as litter, it can harm wildlife and pollute our air, water, and soil.

All of this explains why more and more consumers are starting to tire of excess packaging and instead.

Companies by using renewable, reused, and/or recyclable materials in their packaging; eliminating unnecessary filler materials; and shrinking packaging overall. Some companies by relying on renewable energy to produce their packaging, emphasizing water and energy efficiency, and sourcing materials from environmentally responsible suppliers. Already some estimates suggest will have been eliminated between 2005 and 2020.

The Benefits of Reduced Packaging

As you can imagine, reducing packaging benefits human health and the environment in the form of:

in landfills

of our air, water, and soil

Less carbon emissions

Less carbon emissions (because slimmer packages increase the number of items that can be shipped in one truck, thereby reducing the need for additional vehicles)

Less

Less packaging might also result in cost savings for consumers. In many cases, prices for more heavily packaged products are higher ( higher!) than less-packaged versions of the same product.

How to Reduce Packaging Waste in Your Daily Life

While it’s critical that companies do their part to reduce packaging waste, everyday folks can help out by putting a few of these simple things into practice:

Start with recycling.

This step is a no-brainer. Glass, aluminum, paper, and most plastic . Take the time to do your part—and don't forget to get your friends and coworkers involved too.

Opt for , and/or biodegradable packaging.

When you do buy, look for these types of products. This could be purchasing peanut butter in glass jars that can be reused as cups or vases, choosing packaging made from post-consumer waste, or buying products in compostable packaging.

Partner

Target understands people want eco-friendly products that limit waste, which is why it’s partnering with brands to reduce product packaging. Take Pacifica’s Dream Big mascara. The 100 percent vegan mascara does wonders for your lashes, thanks to a custom brush called the magic wand. Best of all: It’s packaged with nontoxic, recyclable materials. .

Choose reusable products.

The less often you have to buy a product, the less packaging you’ll encounter. It's not always possible, but try to and choose longer-lasting versions instead.

Buy .

Easier said than done, of course, but thinking before you buy is never a bad idea. This is easily the most effective way to reduce packaging waste.

Buy in bulk.

Sometimes convenience is key. But when possible, and purchasing concentrates that can be diluted at home to refill your smaller bottles can actually make a huge difference.

When you can’t buy in bulk, choose products with minimal packaging.

While this isn't always within your control, one study found that if residents in a Minneapolis-size city purchased the most minimally packaged versions of 10 common household products, the city could annually.

Take when shopping.

This helps with buying in bulk and reduces your use of plastic or paper bags (essentially another form of packaging). You can even or thermos when you get coffee or carry containers to restaurants if you think you might take home leftovers.